Section 604 - Powers of boards of cooperative education services(a) In addition to any other powers granted by law, a BOCES shall have the power to provide educational programs, services, facilities, and professional and other staff that, in its discretion, best serve the needs of its members. A BOCES shall follow all applicable State and federal laws in its provision of services, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400-1482.(b) A BOCES may employ an executive director who shall serve under the general direction of the board and who shall be responsible for the care and supervision of the BOCES. The board shall annually evaluate the executive director's performance and effectiveness in implementing the programs, policies, and goals of the BOCES. The executive director shall not serve as a board member, officer, or employee of any related for-profit or nonprofit organization.(c) A BOCES shall be a body politic and corporate and shall have standing to sue and be sued to the same extent as a school district. A BOCES may enter into contracts for the purchase of supplies, materials and services and for the purchase or leasing of land, buildings, and equipment as considered necessary by the board of directors. Section 559 of this title shall apply to the procurement of services or items with costs that exceed $40,000.00, as well as high-cost construction contracts, as defined by subsection 559(b) of this title.(d) The board of directors of a BOCES may apply for State, federal, or private grants, for which a BOCES may be otherwise eligible, to obtain funds necessary to carry out the purpose for which the BOCES is established. Nothing in this chapter is intended to create an entitlement to federal funds distributed by the Agency of Education to local education agencies.Added by 2024, No. 168,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.